Discover 13 Days Cultural Tour in Peloponnese

Introduction

This can be a self-drivng tour for the lovers of culture and for individuals who seek to discover those things that make Greece a distinctive destination worldwide! Once we are locals and we all know our area much better than anybody else, we’ve chosen that you should travel through several and different places of Peloponnese that represent the Greek culture and include history, tradition, architect, natural beauties and a lot more. You will travel to mountains and seas, through traditional settlements and bigger cities and you’ll visit historical sites of every age group! You will see different place whit different habitants and you’ll explore all the faces of Pelponnese.

Sites of the northern Peloponnese

After exploring Athens we head south into the Peloponnese to Nafplion. An advisable visit in its very own right it offers the perfect base by which to visit Epidavros and its stunning 4th century BC theatre. Came from here we head south to Mycenae which, myth informs us, was founded by Perseus but that is more popularly related to Agamemnon, then travel onto Areopolis and Deep Mani.

Adventures in Mani

The Mani is the southernmost peninsula of the mainland, a land of dramatic mountain vistas, tower houses, proud people and strong traditions. We’ve time to explore the caves at Diros by boat and there’s time for you to walk to the port-village of Limeni just 3 km away. There’s the opportunity to create a full excursion to Monemvassia, the incredible Byzantine seaport perched eyrie-like on the monolithic rock and reached only by crossing a causeway once made of swaying wooden bridges.

Pylos, Olympia & Delphi

We explore the Byzantine ghost-town of Mystras, a highlight associated with a visit to the region, and travel onto Pylos where we are able to make optional trips around the Bay of Navarino before continuing to Methoni to go to a 15th C. Venetian fortress. For a lot of our final two visits are the highlight in our journey once we spend time exploring the magnificent and surprisingly extensive site Olympia, home of the first games in 776 B.C. and Delphi, whose oracle guided the ancients and whose Temple of Athena is definitely an easily recognizable icon to lovers of Greek history.

Day 1:

Join tour Athens Join tour Athens

Day 2:

In Athens Athens continues to be the capital of Greece for under 200 years, however it has grown rapidly in size. In the morning, we have an orientation walking tour that will take us past the Parliament buildings, through Syntagma Square and into the Plaka, to take in the atmosphere of the old town. You’ll notice the contrast between the modern capital and the old city – the well-heeled inhabitants of Kolonaki on the one hand, and the vibrant Plaka quarter on the other. In the afternoon we head for any guided tour of the Acropolis, a specific favourite.

Day 3:

In Nafplion Leaving Athens after an earlier breakfast, we travel to Nafplion – the first capital of contemporary Greece and one of the most beautiful coastal towns in the Peloponnese. After checking-in to the centrally located hotel, we’ll take to the streets by walking on a guided walking tour of the charming town including the first Greek parliament and fine types of Byzantine and Venetian churches and buildings.

Day 4:

AM Palamidi; Exploring Epidavros Today we ascend to the Palamidi Fortress for nice views. The Palamidi is really comprised of three separate fortresses walled together, it had been built in 1714 by the Venetians, taken by the Turks the following year, and held until they surrendered it to Kolokotronis following a 15 month seige during the War of Independence. As we make the 850- step ascent to the fortress (taxis can be found!) We then travel south east of Nafplion to Epidavros.

Day 5:

To Areopolis, via Mycenae Leaving Nafplion behind us, we first travel north to go to the mighty ruins of ancient Mycenae then south towards the heart of the mani Peninsula. Perched on the hilltop overlooking the modern city, Mycenae is attached to the legend of King Agamemnon who commanded the 10-year long expedition against Troy. The site was unearthed by the archaeologist Schliemann in the 1870’s and is prized because of its Lion Gate and Royal Tombs.

Day 6:

In Areopolis Areopolis is the main town (a real large village) on the Mani Peninsula. It lies some 2 miles from the sea, extremely high up and well located for walks. Today continues to be left liberated to soak up the atmosphere of Areopolis, or else take a trip to nearby capital of scotland – Monemvasia – “Greece’s Gibraltar”.

Day 7:

In and around Areopolis The Mani is really a naturally isolated and traditionally independent area and the individuals who inhabit its wild landscape have always resisted change and clung for their ancient traditions. In accessory for its interesting good reputation for piracy, the feudal society which developed around the 14th century leaves a unique architectural legacy in the type of many marble-roofed towerhouses, once used like a defence against enemy clans and like a sign of family prestige.

Day 8:

Drive to Pylos via Mystras Leaving the Mani, we head north to the abandoned medieval capital of scotland – Mystras. Clinging to some steep flank of the Taygetos range, some 150m above the plain, Mystras is silent and ruined today however evocative of the individuals who once lived here and managed to get prosperous. We wander the cobbled alleyways, exploring the various sun-bleached palaces and houses along the way. Although only ruins remain, the architectural styles and artistic excellence of numerous wall paintings, mosaics and decorative sculptures should have close inspection.

Day 9:

In Pylos We spend the day in this picturesque place set amid olive trees, rocky meadows and offshore islands. The area surrounding Pylos is ideal for personal explorations, by walking or by local transport. In Pylos the well-preserved Venetian fortress (Neo Kastro) may be worth a visit. Alternatively, you can make the journey by local bus to Methoni (10 km to the south), possibly the most beautiful Venetian stronghold in Greece and the place to find an imposing 15th century castle.

Day 10:

To Pylos and Ancient Olympia Driving north,we stop briefly at Nestor’s Palace. Nestor, King of Pylos was one of the strongest and richest leaders of the Greeks during the Trojan War and built this once lavishly decorated palace in around 1500 BC. Today we travel to the ruined monuments of ancient Olympia, birthplace of the Olympics and one of Greece’s most renowned historical sites, for any guided tour. The site lies in an awesome valley setting near to the modernday town of Nea Olympia.

Day 11:

To Delphi From Olympia, we head north. A scenic drive takes us through the largest olive grove in Greece to achieve Delphi, where there exists a guided tour. Perched on the rocky slopes of sacred Mt. Parnassos (2459m), Delphi was the perfect setting for mystery and religious prophecy. Here the god Apollo spoke through the medium of the priestess called the Pythia.

Day 12:

Drive to Athens Today there’s a chance to take an optional walk to the temple of Athena to stretch your legs before we take the bus to the capital. Free afternoon in Athens.

Day 13:

Tour ends Athens